Might possibly the something take the shape of a change or mitigation of Paolina’s resolve?  No sooner did the idea cross his mind than he felt ashamed of it, and his heart smote him for having for a moment harboured a thought that involved falseness to his promise to her.  Nevertheless, it was not the last time that the thought recurred.

The next morning he met his uncle.

“I had Stadione with me yesterday evening,” said the Marchese, “and I wanted to speak to you about something he said.  I was sorry to be told that you were not at the Circolo.”

“I was sorry that Beppo did not find me.  What was it?  Signor Ercole has succeeded in his mission, I hear.”

“Yes; and it was on that matter I wanted to speak to you; but this morning will do as well for that.  It was not that that vexed me, Ludovico.  I won’t ask you to tell me where you were, and I don’t want to play the inquisitor; but the fact is, I know very well without asking.  And, my dear nephew, I cannot but tell you that you are acting unwisely,—­imprudently even.”

“What have I done that is wrong, sir?  Is it not fitting that I should show some attention to people, who came here recommended to you, and whom you yourself first commissioned me to assist?” said Ludovico.

“What is the good of answering in that way, Ludovico.  Just as if we both did not know better than that, and know too what we both mean?  Pay some attention!  Pshaw!  Do you think that I am quite a fool?  As if I did not know what you go there for, and what you have been going there for these eight months past, since first I was blockhead enough to throw that pretty girl in your way.  Now, figliuolo mio, it is my duty to tell you that that sort of thing won’t do—­just at present.  I don’t want, as I said, to play the inquisitor, nor do I wish to play the preacher.  When you are married you must guide your own conduct as you may think fit; but now every consideration of propriety and prudence should teach you that you must not continue to run after that young person in the sight of all the town in the way you do.  Here you are on the point of contracting a marriage, which—­”

“On the point, uncle?  We are surely a long way from that yet?” said Ludovico.

“A long way!  I don’t know what you mean by a long way; if we are not further advanced, it is your own fault.  We might bring the negotiation to a conclusion at once.  It might all be settled this Carnival.

“This Carnival, uncle?  Impossible!  I must have a little time.  There are so many things to be thought of.”

“What is there to be thought of, that has not been thought of already?  They are in no hurry; they look upon the matter as arranged.  But in decency, we cannot show any backwardness; it does not look well.

“Well, uncle:  at all events, let this Carnival pass over.  Let me have this last Carnival; then Lent is of no use:  after that we will see about it.”